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Irish Doc, The Lonely Battle of Thomas Reid, To Receive World Premiere at IDFA

Irish Doc, The Lonely Battle of Thomas Reid, To Receive World Premiere at IDFA

Posted: 15th November 2017

Directed by Feargal Ward, Irish documentary, The Lonely Battle of Thomas Reid, will receive its world premiere at the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA); screening in the Main Competition at the 30th iteration of the prestigious festival.

IDFA is the world’s leading documentary festival and prides itself on presenting work that stimulates and offers new perspectives, as well as championing documentaries that combine stylistic innovation with urgent content. This year’s edition will run from 15 – 26 November.

The Lonely Battle of Thomas Reid tells the story of Thomas Reid, a Co. Kildare farmer who, for years, has been locked in a gruelling battle with his neighbour — U.S. microchip manufacturer, Intel who want to expand into Reid’s land. When his farm in Leixlip was the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) by the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), Thomas decided to risk everything by challenging the state body in a battle through the courts.

Produced by Luke McManus of FSE Films, the film presents a unique insight into Reid’s struggle to hold onto his lands and home in the face of considerable odds.The film is edited and sound designed by Tadhg O’Sullivan (Song of Granite, The Great Wall, Silence)

Speaking about the IDFA selection, director Feargal Ward said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to bring this film to IDFA and to introduce Thomas Reid’s story to a wider audience. The subject matter at the centre of this film — the extent to which the State will go to facilitate the interests of global corporations — is both an important issue of our time and of this country; and one I was instantly drawn to explore.”

Producer Luke McManus added: “I’ve been a fan of Feargal Ward and Tadhg O’Sullivan’s distinctive, unusual filmmaking voice for years. The combination of Feargal’s stunning cinematography with Tadhg’s powerful sense of atmosphere and accomplished sound design reinforces the immersive, hypnotic qualities of the film. Being part of the Main Competition at IDFA is hugely exciting for the film and we are thrilled to be part of this excellent festival as the film begins its journey out into the world.”

The Lonely Battle of Thomas Reid was funded by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board.